Process of extracting metal from solutions.



E. E. SLAUGHTER.

rnoonss or EXTRAGTING METAL FROM SOLUTIONS.

APPLIUATION TILED JAN. 6. 1908.

Patented Aug. 22, 1911.

(aw/wages:

COLUMBIA I'LANOGRAPH C0,,WA5HINOTON. U. c.

ELMER E. SLAUGHTER, OF CLIFTON, ARIZONA TERRITORY, ASSIGNOR 'IO WILLIAML.

AUSTIN, OF RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA.

PROCESS OF EXTRACTING METAL FROM SOLUTIONS.

menace.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Aug. 22, 1911.

Application filed January 6, 1908. Serial No. 409,410.

T 0 all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, Emma E. SLAUGH- ann, a citizen of the United States,residing in Clifton, in the county of Graham and Territory of Arizona,have invented an Improvement in Processes of Extracting Metal fromSolutions, of which the following description, in connection withthenccompanying drawings, is a specllicatron, like letters on thedrawings representing like parts.

The present invention relates to a process of extracting metals frommetal-bearing substances, and is embodied in a process of extractingmetallic copper from solutions such, for example, as mine waters incopper mines. It has been the practice to extract some of the copperfrom such solutions by allowing the solutions to flow over or come incontact with scrap iron, which results in the extraction oi the copperin the form of a copper slime, which requires a long and carefulmanipulation before the copper can be run into bars. Furthermore, alarge amount of iron is consumed in this process in proportion to theamount of copper extracted.

I have discovered that copper can be more rapidly precipitated fromsolutions and in a better form for subsequent treatment by using inconjunction with iron another substance which is an electricalconductor, and which is either substantially insoluble in the solutionsunder treatment, or, it soluble or partially soluble, does not produceany effect which is detrimental to the economical recovery of themetallic copper. NVhen the two substances are immersed in the solutiontogether, it is found that metallic copper is precipitated on bothsubstances. Furthermore, the consumption of iron, in proportion to theamount of copper recovered, is greatly diminished. I attribute theresult to an electrolytic action in which the iron and the otherconducting substance act as electrodes and the solution as theelectrolyte. I believe carbon to be the most desirable substance to usein conjunction with the iron, and coke to be the most desirable form ofcarbon. Moreover, while there is a material advantage over priorprocesses whenever the two substances are immersed in the solution,whether in the form of large pieces or small, connected by wire, inactual contact, or in communication solely through the solution, I havethus far obtained the best results by using comminutcd coke closelypacked in with small pieces of iron, the pieces of the two substancesbeing small enough to insure good contact with each other. The copper isprecipitated in metallic form, the resultant mass consisting mainly ofmetallic copper and copper incrusted coke, so that the copper can be runout by a simple smelting process. .l urthcrmore, the precipitation is sorapid that coir tamination by basic salts formed from the iron isslight, if any; and a very short laundcr may be used. The precipitate,more over, has a higher percentage of metallic copper than that obtainedby the use of iron alone and is coarser and more easily laundered.

For the purpose ot giving a clear understanding of the process, a simpleform of apparatus which may be utilized in carrying out the process isshown in the accompanying d 'awing which represents a sectional view ofa lJO-X or launder containing the iron and coke, and provided with aninlet trough and outlet spout for the solutions.

The process may conveniently be carried on by allowing the mine watersor other solution to flow slowly through the receptacle 0. whichcontains the iron and carbon, herein indicated as a promistulously mixedor packed muss Z), the solution flowing into the reccptacle from thetrough c, and being drawn out through the spout (Z, the trough at alltimes containing sullicient solution to cover the iron and coke. A largepercentage of the copper is precipitated from the solution and remainsin the receptacle in the form of metallic co 'ipcrz the iron beingpractically consumed and the copper precipitated upon the coke, or:t'rced 'l'rom the iron upon which it has been precipitated. Thiscopper-beau ing coke can be placed in a blast furnace and the metalliccopper run oll' in molten form, while the carbon is consumed. Some ofthe copper is also precipitated on the iron in metallic form, and can beshaken or scaled ott'.

Claims.

1. That improvement in the art or process of saving the metallic copperin w ak solu tions, such as mine waters, which consists in subjectingthe solution to the action of iron and another electric conductorsubmerged in said solution, whereby the copper is precipitatedtherefrom.

2. That improvement in the art or process of extracting metallic copperfrom a solution which consists in immersing iron and carbon in thesolution Whereby the copper is precipitated, and subjecting theresulting mass to heat to extract the metallic copper in molten form.

3. The herein described process of extracting copper from solutionsWhich consists in immersing in the solutions a number of small pieces ofiron and carbon closely packed together, and treating the residue in ablast furnace.

In testimony whereof, I have signed my name to this specification in thepresence of 15 two subscribing Witnesses.

ELMER E. SLAUGHTER.

Witnesses:

B. R. LANNEAU, C. A. VAN DORN.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressingthe Commissioner of Patents, Washington, D. C.

